Characters of the Cross - Simon

"A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross."  Mark 15:21 (NIV)

The fourth week of Lent, and we are getting closer to the cross.  As we follow Jesus from the people who say, "Crucify Him", we move to the journey of Jesus carrying the cross.  It is so very hard to imagine that with all that Jesus had been through, the beatings and the crown of thorns, was not the end of his journey.  It became the beginning.  Now he needed to carry a huge wooden cross to Calvary.  That walk through town, as people were mocking him, must have felt like light years away from the palms and cheers just a few days earlier during Palm Sunday.

As Jesus was making his way to Calvary, the soldiers forced Simon of Cyrene to carry the cross behind Jesus.  The research I did about Simon was very interesting.  Certainly, Simon wasn't in the crowd saying, "Pick me, pick me"!  Chances were he was thinking more, "Why me, why me?"  Scripture doesn't refer to Simon "proudly" taking up the cross or "jumping at the chance."  He was selected to carry the cross to ensure Jesus got to the point of Crucifixion.  With everything Jesus had been through, the soldiers were unsure he could make the journey to Calvary, so they told Simon to carry the cross.  There is not much shared about Simon, except for one key phrase - he was the father of Alexander and Rufus.  His two sons became key Christians in Rome. 

The fact that Simon's sons had become strong Christians in Rome leads us to believe that Simon's life was forever changed by his carrying Jesus' cross.  As he carried that cross, he knew he was taking Jesus to his death.  What a truly heavy weight that must have been.  Yet, how Simon's heart must have jumped for joy when he realized who Jesus was when He rose from the dead three days later. 

Again, as we reflect this Lenten season, it is so very easy to see ourselves in Simon.  When trials and tribulations fall into our lives, we don't typically "jump to the chance" to endure difficulties.  Usually we are the ones asking God, "Why me?"  I know the times that God has asked me to carry the cross may have been so difficult without a full understanding of "why" like Simon.  Yet, days/weeks/months after, it becomes truly clear that my times of trials were used for greater faith in God or to assist others.  When those realizations occur, my heart does jump for joy - joy that God chose me to suffer in order to bring a better result.  

When life gets difficult and we think that "this cross we are bearing is too much", let's think of Simon of Cyrene.  May we better find ourselves understanding that the cross we are bearing is a bit of Jesus' cross.  At that point, I'm sure we will all try to stand a little taller, despite the heaviness of the cross, knowing that Jesus is with us - just like He was with Simon.  What do we need to do to bear that cross?  We need to have simple faith - faith that Jesus' death provided us the forgiveness of our sins and life eternal with Him.  What a joyous day that will be!

"Dearest Jesus, how our lives were changed by Simon.  As he carried your cross, Jesus, his life was changed forever - and the life of his sons.  Knowing that he carried your cross for you helps us to better understand ourselves when we feel the cross we are bearing is too much.  Help us to always go to you, Jesus, for it is in faith in you that we know you will help us to carry our cross here on Earth.  Let our lives, and those around us, forever be changed by how we carry the crosses we bear.  In your name we pray, Amen."

Characters of the Cross - Those Who Shouted "Crucify Him"

"But He was wounded for our transgressions.  He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed."  Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)

This is the scene that I always find so ironic.  Just six days earlier, the people of Jerusalem were laying palms and shouting, "Hosanna in the Highest".  They were finally giving Jesus the recognition and praise that he so much deserved.  Six days later - just six days, people were shouting, "Crucify Him"!  

It is this scene that helps us to answer the question, "Who crucified Jesus?"  So many times we look to see who would do this to Jesus - who would put Jesus to death?  Sometimes, we focus on Pilate as the one we can say, "He did it!"  Other times, we focus on the soldiers who nailed Jesus to the cross.  Then there are other times when we focus on God, who let his Son go through all of this.  Many times, though, we look to the people in the crowd.  When Pilate brought Jesus in front of the crowd, in hopes that they would release Jesus, they shouted, "Crucify Him"!  Pilate gave the crowd many other options so that Jesus could go free, but that was not to happen.  The crowd refused to set Jesus free.  So ultimately, it was the crowd that put Jesus to death, right?

Once again, during Lent and our opportunity to reflect, I ask that we take another viewpoint.  Were the members of the crowd responsible?  I believe it was ALL of us - the crowd, me, and you.  We are all there saying, "Crucify Him"!  When we look to blame others for this horrific event, we need to look in the mirror again, knowing that we are just as guilty as those there that fateful day, wanting to send Jesus to the cross.  Jesus went there for our transgressions.  Jesus took all of our sins with him to the cross.  It is MY sins that took Jesus to the cross.  It is MY sins that called out "Crucify Him"!  

Our sinful nature can cause us great guilt and shame.  Our sins can overwhelm us, cause us to lead a dark life, knowing that there is nothing we can do to take our sins away.  Yet, on that Friday when the crowd yelled out to put our Jesus on the cross, I was there, yelling out as well.  I was yelling, knowing that our Dear Jesus was walking my sins to the cross.  So when we ask, "Who put Jesus to death", know that we can't look to others - we need to look at ourselves.

As always with Jesus, there is good news.  We may have sent Jesus to the cross, but in doing so, we live knowing that our sins are wiped clean by Jesus' blood.  We know that in repenting of our sins, we have life eternal with Jesus.  We know that Jesus loves us unconditionally, each and every day.  "We know that we are Christians by His love"!  Take the time today to recognize that we sent Jesus to the cross, but we will also see Him in Paradise.  Live in that glory.  Don't live in the darkness of sin - live in Jesus' light on the world.   

"My Dear Jesus, I know that I was the one who sent you to the cross.  I was the one who yelled, "Crucify Him"!  I also know that you, Dear Jesus, walked to the cross with my sins on your back.  You did this because you love ME!  I can't wait for the day where I will see you in Paradise.  Until then, know how very grateful I am that you took the walk for me.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen."

Characters of the Cross - Peter

"Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.  Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him:  "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times."  And he broke down and wept."  Mark 14:72 (NIV)

Peter was a disciple that Jesus held very close to him.  Jesus loved Peter as he did the other disciples.  Peter, though, was very dedicated to Jesus and his time on this earth.  As we know, Jesus shared during the Last Supper, that Peter was going to deny Jesus three times.  I'm sure, if I was Peter, that I couldn't believe what Jesus was saying.  In fact, he even responds in Mark 14:31, " . . . Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.".  Obviously, Jesus knew what was coming, in so many ways.

Here is a person, Peter, that spent many years following the Chosen One.  He gave up his career as a fisherman to learn, grow, and do with Jesus.  He gave everything for Jesus.  So what would prompt him to deny Jesus, and not just once, but three times?  Let's go back to that fateful day.  Jesus was carried off as a prisoner.  People were mocking Jesus, calling him all kinds of names.  He was being questioned by Caiaphas and although he was answering yes to being called the Christ, they said they had heard blasphemy.  Obviously the situation didn't look good for Jesus.  Did Peter really want to associate himself to Christ at that point?  Things weren't bad when people were laying palms as Jesus rode in on the donkey, but now, things had turned very dismal.  Peter was being taunted by others for his association for Jesus.  Maybe to save his reputation, maybe to save his life, certainly to fulfill prophecy, Peter denied Jesus three times.

Once again, during this Lenten season, we self reflect.  You may think, "I would NEVER deny Jesus.  I would ALWAYS share that he saved my sins."  Have you?  Would you?  Over my years, I know there have been times when I have denied Jesus.  Maybe not outwardly, but through my words and actions, I may not have been standing in the courtyard shouting, "Yes, I believe in Jesus."  When might you ask?  Over the years, it may have been in front of friends that weren't Christian.  It may have been at work, when others may not have shared my save values.  I may not have said, "I don't follow Jesus", but I may not have stood up the way I should have.

I do know one thing, any time that it has happened, I have felt like Peter.  On my way home from school or work, I wept.  I would beg for Jesus' forgiveness and when I knelt at the Lord's table, the guilt would resurface and then be taken from me.  What a gracious Lord we have.  Even when we reject him, even when we turn our back on him, even when we deny him or disown him, He doesn't disown us.  He continues to understand; he continues to teach; he continues to LOVE us - unconditionally.  Imagine if someone denied you - not just once, but three times.  How would you feel?  Me?  I would have a bunch of resentment - not sure I could get past that.  Yet, not our Lord!!  He loves us so and NEVER leaves us.  

Did Jesus ever forgive Peter?  Not only was their forgiveness, He provided Peter and the other disciples, with the Great Commission, sending them out into the world to tell others about what He had done for us.  Do you think Peter learned from this?  I'm thinking, under all accounts, that he certainly did.  Have I learned when I didn't stand up for my Lord?  I have.  I am hoping that as I get older, my courage has increased.  I no longer laugh off being a Christian, I stand up for being a Christian.   As in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:  The old is gone, the new is here!"  

Peter reveled in his new creation.  I know that I do as well.  How about you?  Is it time, once again, to self reflect and look at what we see in the mirror?  What are you seeing?  If it isn't a new creation, then let's ask God for forgiveness, so we can walk with Him with our heads held up high.  It's simple.  We just need to have simple faith!  Prayers for a continued blessed Lenten.

Oh Dearest Jesus:  Yes, we know there have been times when we have denied you, when we have not stood on the top of the world to proclaim your name.  Please, continue the work you have started in us, so that we will never deny you, but stand up in your name with glory.  Help us to be a new creation - new in your love."

Characters of the Cross - Judas

"Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them." 

Mark 14:10  (NIV)

As we begin our series during Lent, Characters of the Cross, I wanted this to be an opportunity of self-reflection for us. I believed that starting with Judas was appropriate.  It is how we begin the walk to the Cross.  When we reflect upon the Passion Story, we tend to look with disdain upon Judas.  Yet, if we reflect close enough, will we see more than Judas?  Let's take some time to do so.

Judas' background is an interesting one.  His parents were Sadducees, and actually disowned Judas when he started following John the Baptist.  When he became a disciple, he was seen as one who was very educated.  He was actually the "treasurer" among the disciples.  Judas was always conflicted about Jesus.  While listening to Jesus, his mind saw the strength of Jesus.  He believed in Jesus, but some say they wonder if he truly loved our Savior as the other disciples did.  During times of educating the disciples, Jesus would talk to Judas directly - helping him with the understanding of Jesus' message.  Judas had difficulty with that.  There were times he resented the instruction, as he had ideas of how Jesus should be acting (showing more strength than humility).  It seemed like the last straw was when Mary used an expensive perfume while washing Jesus' feet, in honor and worship to Jesus.  When Judas objected to this, Jesus shared the good reason Mary was doing this. (John 12:6).  Judas began to look for a way to turn against Jesus.  The chief priests were the ones who would help him.  As we know, Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver.  Later, when he fully realized what he had done, he threw the silver back to the chief priests and took his own life.

Reflecting on Judas, I can't help but take a hard look at myself.  We may look at Judas and see a traitor, one who wasn't on Jesus' side.  Yet, the more I reflected, the more I realized that I, too, have been Judas during my life.  Yes, I may have the knowledge of what Jesus has done for me, but have I "given my all" to him every day?  Have I had ideas of how Jesus should be acting, what He should be doing?  I know that I have given Jesus advice over the years.  Who am I to do this?  The more I look at who Judas was, the more I realize that I have seen myself in Judas.  Yes, it is very sad to admit, but it is the truth.  I am so very thankful that our Dear Jesus has been patient with me, has forgiven me, and doesn't hold that against me when it comes to loving me.  His unconditional love for me has seen me through the dark places and into a wonderful light.

As we reflect on Judas, let us be truthful to ourselves.  Have we seen a bit of Judas in ourselves?  Let us take the time to be honest and be repentant of that behavior.  Let us pray to our Jesus and ask Him to focus our eyes to the cross, each and every day, for each and every situation.   May the blessings of this Lenten season follow us through our lives.

"Dearest Jesus, although you knew of the betrayal long before it occurred, how difficult it must have been to know that one of your closest confidants was going to be the one to bring you to the cross.  Jesus, I know I  have fallen into Judas' character over the years.  Thank you for bringing me out of that darkness.  I pray you continue to focus me on the cross.  Amen."

The Dressing Room

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."  Colossians 3:12 (NIV)

I'm not a big shopper.  I shouldn't say that - I'm not a big clothes shopper.  Put me in the middle of a gourmet grocery store and I'm like a kid in a candy store.  Put me in a mall, and it's all about "What do I need and how quickly can I get out of here."  I am certain that most of this falls into a very self-centered world where I don't think many things look good on me.  Hence, why bother going to get more stuff.

Yet, a couple of weeks ago, I found myself at a store looking for a couple of new items.  After checking out all the options, I selected a few and entered that lovely place of truth - THE DRESSING ROOM.  Yes, with mirrors all around, it is the one place that nothing can escape - no imperfection, no "little too much here or there", it's all there for you to see.  As I tried on a few things, trying to determine what didn't look too bad, I remembered the wonderful verse for today.  This made me smile.

I realized that no matter what fabric or color I might wear, no matter what shoes go with what outfit, no matter whether it is turtleneck season or not, the clothes that are on my body are just that - clothes.  They are truly there for the purpose of ensuring I am presentable for those around me.  At home, when relaxing, I can get away with the best two pieces of clothing ever invented, sweats and a sweatshirt.  When I am off to work, much to the pleasure of my coworkers, I choose something more presentable.  

When I look at the concept that clothes are truly there for the purpose of being presentable for others, this verse is even MORE important.  Am I dressing myself in the things that are to be shared to others?  When I slip on that turtleneck, is kindness joining my presentation?  When I pull on those slacks, is gentleness a part of my wardrobe?  When I read those precious words, it helped me to see that the real things that I put on every morning shouldn't be about the right shoes with the right outfit, but more so, the right attitude for the day. 

Am I clothing myself in compassion for others who may be struggling?  Am I clothing myself in kindness for anyone that I might meet?  Am I clothing myself in humility, truly knowing that I don't know it all?  Am I clothing myself in gentleness and tenderness of words and action - especially to those closest to me?  Of all, am I clothing myself in patience, willing to hold my words and actions before speaking out of turn?  Wow, when I look at the things I should be clothing myself in, those red pumps don't seem nearly as important!

I believe I have had days when I have worried more about wearing the right blazer versus wearing the right behavior.  I realize that throughout the day when I might look in the mirror and I'm not happy about the reflection, it may be regardless of the great outfit.  It is on those days that I fully understand what God is trying to say in this verse, am I putting on the clothes that God wants me to wear?  For as far back as the Bible goes, it has been important for everyone to wear the behaviors that make our days and nights have true meaning, clothing in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Yet, here and now, these words and these behaviors are even more important.  

When you get dressed tomorrow morning, what are you going to put on?  With that nice tie, can you find a bit of compassion?  With that great blouse, can you find some humility?  Let's try it - let's put on the clothes that God wants to see on us - and may we reflect the behaviors of love.

"Dearest God, How one simple verse can change our perspective!!  We ask that as we put on our clothes every day, that we are reminded of what YOU want us to wear, the behaviors that show your unconditional love for us, and the behaviors that we can share with others.  May our clothes reflect your mercy for each of us, and may they radiate the joy of our salvation.  Thank you for clothing us with all that is necessary.  In your gracious name we pray.  Amen."

Signs of Hope

"Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him."  Psalm 62:5 (NIV)

This weekend is one of those weekends.  In New England, we are used to having snow during the winter months.  Yet, when February 15th hits - inside, we start hoping for Spring.  It just so happens that the last couple of weeks, we have seen the greatest amount of snow this winter.  So when a weekend like this one comes along, we savor it.  What is so special about this weekend?

Temperatures reached 50 degrees!  The snow started melting.  The air is warmer.  The sun seems brighter.  Car wash lines were long, windows and doors were open, people replaced the parkas with windbreakers, hats/gloves were shed and sunglasses were donned.  This weekend gives us in New England hope - hope that spring is right around the corner.

Days like this, days of hope, remind me of where true hope comes from.  I know that over my years, I have searched for hope in many things.  I have searched for hope in people I am close to, family and friends.  I have searched for hope in work.  I have searched for hope even in books.  It isn't that any of these things are bad in searching for hope.  Yet, when I look for hope there, I don't seem to get all my answers, all my peace, all my rest.  Good things may result when I search for my hope there - but it doesn't result in full peace for my soul.

When I go to my Lord for hope, the results are different.  Yes, I may still find good things, but along with that comes the peace, the rest, that only God can provide when we put our hope in Him.  How do we do that?  And what can we see from God?  Hope in God comes from faith.  When our faith takes root in Him who provides everything, our hope in what God has for us grows.  What we hope for doesn't necessarily happen right away, like we would imagine, just because we go to God with our hope.  What we do know is that when we bring our hope to God, the correct path will be taken.  

We may hope to recover from an illness quickly.  We go to our God for hope.  Recovery is delayed.  Why does this happen?  There can be many reasons why.  I know, in  my case, it means I need to grow closer to God, closer to His word.  We may hope for a relationship to be restored.  We go to God for hope.  Why isn't it happening?  We don't know, but in my case it was a relationship that I learned from.  

We can find our hope in so much that God gives to us - resting peace hope.  Maybe it is in a doctor who says to us, "You may not have recovery today, but you will have FULL recovery in another month."  Maybe it is in a friend that says, "I can't forgive you now, but I will pray on this," and writes a note to you in a week.  Maybe it is in a warm day in February, that tells us Spring is coming.  Hope comes in many signs from our Dear Lord.  For us, we need to be mindful, not spiteful.  We need to be quiet and listen.  We need to be still and not chaotic.  We need to trust, have faith, and believe that God is the one where our hope lies.  

"Dearest God, we know that when we put our hope in you, the peace for our souls becomes evident.  We know that when we put our hope in you, you provide for our every need and you give us what is best for us.  May we trust you always, with all of our hope.  Amen."

The Peace of a Blanket of Snow

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world."  John 16:33  (NIV)

Snow in New England is always fun.  When the snow falls gently from the sky, and lands softly on the earth, it can truly be mesmerizing.  It seems as if I can watch snow fall for hours.  Yet, not every snowfall comes to New England in that fashion.  More than not, we get snowstorms called Nor'easter.  This is snowfall of a very different nature.

Typically, Nor'easters are coming in off the water.  They come with a vengeance.  These storms are full of wind and A LOT of snow.  Not the usual snow that is measured in inches, but snow that is measured in one or two feet.  Yes, it's a different kind of snow.  When the snow falls from the sky, it comes in with blizzard conditions, blowing and drifting.  This past week we had one of these storms.  We are also having another one as I write this blog.  Nor'easters can also be mesmerizing.

There is much challenge that comes with these storms, much trouble.  Trying to drive in this type of snowstorm can be troubling.  There is very low visibility, windshield wipers freeze up, a four-lane highway goes down to one lane, and side roads are filled with snow.  Plow drivers try so hard to clear the snow, but as soon as they make a pass, it seems as if it is back filled with more snow.  It can be very troubling.

Yet, once the storm passes, the snow is absolutely beautiful.  It becomes a picture of peace.  The world slows down, people find the joy in the snow, and the heavy sighs end with a smile on our faces.  We live in New England - and this is part of our winter.  When I think of this beauty, the Bible verse from today comes to mind.  There may be trouble with some of our snowstorms, but they result in peace.

Our lives follow the path of snow.  How so?  We will have trouble in our lives.  Sometimes, we have low visibility and cannot see where the path of trouble is taking us.  Sometimes we freeze up, and are unable to move due to the load of trouble we are carrying.  Then sometimes, our highway of options go down to one lane, and the troubled journey may seem long.  But take heart!!  Peace is coming.  When our trust lies in the Lord, the trouble of our lives can find peace, just like the trouble of a Nor'easter can find the peace of fallen snow.

So, as snow may fall in your day, and the troubles that come with snow can be difficult, know that the peace of a blanket of snow will soon come.  The troubles of our days will find peace.  We just need to take heart in our Jesus - who endured much trouble for the peace of sitting next to His heavenly father in paradise.

"Dearest Lord, we know that troubles will be part of our journey here on earth.  Help us to endure the troubles to the peace that is on the other side.  The peace of a new-fallen blanket of snow can be a wonderful reminder that troubles can take us to a beautiful place.  Amen."